Bibingka

When I see some bibingka it reminds me about Christmas, it is because this type of rice cake is usually sold outside the churches during “Simbang Gabi” (a nine-day mass ritual before Christmas eve that happens very early in the morning) and “Misa de Gallo” (Christmas eves mass). Bibingka is made out of rice flour and coconut milk cooked in a clay pot lined with banana leaf over a charcoal heat placed on the bottom and on the top. A very soft type of cake that is lightly charred with a very pleasant banana leaf smell. It is then topped with salted duck eggs, margarine and grated coconut.

I know Christmas is finished but definitely there’s no one stopping me to bake this Filipino Christmas favourite which I highly suggest you should try. Though it is not cooked in the traditional manner of using charcoals and terracotta pots this is the next best thing, just remember to use a banana leaf lining as that gives it that unique flavour.

I am all about celebrating Chritmas again in March if I can have one of these. I have not ever had one of these. I wonder if they sell these in the World wide house where I just found the hugest Phillipines market in HK. It is in Central right across the street from exchange square. Was it here when you lived here? Take care, BAM

My mom made these bibingka muffins over christmas also! I love them!!! It tastes (almost) like the local filipino bibingka, with with a Western twist! I wonder if you can use banana leaves as muffins liners? That would be an idea!!!